Same-sex marriage
The repeal in Maine of legislatively enacted same-sex marriage is a deeply disturbing development. Equal marriage rights for all is the civil-rights priority of the 21st century, just as rights for African-Americans and women were the banners of progress behind which people of humane temperament rallied throughout the last century.

The nullification of same-sex rights in California last year demonstrated that this is a fight that will not easily be won, particularly since fear-mongering from right-wing America gained traction soon after the election of Barack Obama.

Still, a glimmer of hope shone in Washington State on Election Day. There, voters endorsed a legislative measure sanctioning civil unions. Known on the West coast as “almost marriage,” it does not guarantee full rights to all. But it is a step in the right direction, not a step backward.

Another toke
The tiny Colorado ski town of Breckenridge voted to legalize personal possession of pot. The action is largely symbolic, since possession is still illegal throughout the state, but does add a bit more buzz to the national movement for saner drug laws.

MERCY AND SAL DIMASI | March 13, 2013 When it comes to showing a modicum of mercy to some of those convicted of federal crimes, Barack Obama is shaping up to have the worst track record of any president in recent memory.

NEXT, MARRIAGE EQUALITY | March 05, 2013 On March 27 and 28, the US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in two cases that could essentially put America on the road to full marriage equality.

THUS SPAKE MARKEY | February 26, 2013 Last week, Congressman Ed Markey inadvertently injected some daring political thinking and a touch of historical imagination into the race to fill the US Senate seat vacated by John Kerry's appointment as secretary of state.

DRONES: 10 THOUGHTS | February 20, 2013 Foreign drone attacks are almost (but not quite yet) as American as apple pie.